FoodCauliflower leaf chips: The tastier side of zero waste cooking

Cauliflower leaf chips: The tastier side of zero waste cooking

Do you think cauliflower leaves are only good for the trash? Nothing could be further from the truth! They are an underrated part of the vegetable that can be turned into a crunchy and healthy snack. In the spirit of zero waste, giving them a second life is worthwhile – and a remarkably tasty one at that.

How can cauliflower leaves be used in the kitchen?
How can cauliflower leaves be used in the kitchen?
Images source: © Getty Images | Louise LeGresley
Angelika Grabowska

Usually discarded, cauliflower leaves are truly a culinary gem. They are rich in fibre, vitamins (mainly C and K), and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Instead of throwing them away, you can prepare a healthy and crunchy snack from them in just a few minutes – cauliflower leaf chips. This is an excellent example of zero waste cooking that not only cares for the environment but also surprises with its taste.

Moreover, cauliflower leaf chips are a healthy alternative to store-bought ones, which – though tempting – have little to do with healthy eating. Traditional chips are highly processed foods, where the flavour relies not on quality ingredients but on an excess of salt, trans fats, artificial flavours, and chemical additives.

Cauliflower leaves have a slightly bitter, herbal taste and absorb spices well. Once baked, they become pleasantly crunchy, similar to popular kale chips, but are much cheaper and easier to find – just use what usually remains after dividing a cauliflower into florets.

Recipe for cauliflower leaf chips

Ingredients:

          
  • Leaves from 1 cauliflower (well washed and dried),
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil,
  • Pinch of salt,
  • Additions to taste: granulated garlic, smoked paprika, herbes de Provence, cayenne pepper – as desired.

Preparation:

            
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C,
  • Cut the cauliflower leaves into smaller pieces – remove the hard stems,
  • In a bowl, mix the leaves with olive oil and spices until they are evenly coated,
  • Spread the leaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper – in a single layer,
  • Bake for about 5-10 minutes until they become crispy and lightly golden. Watch them – they can burn quickly.

How to serve?

Cauliflower leaf chips taste best when fresh – as a light snack, an addition to salads, or a healthy alternative to classic movie-time chips. They pair well with a yogurt-herb dip or hummus. Waste-free cuisine can truly be delicious, and cauliflower leaf chips are tasty proof that every part of a vegetable deserves a chance.

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